Favorite Family Road Trip Games

A successful family road trip requires extensive planning, packing, and decision-making. By the time you hit the road, parents are ready to just enjoy the ride. But what happens when the kids' boredom sets in?

The Wombat family has it worked out! In the episode "Wombat Family Road Trip," Malik, Zadie, and Zeke entertain themselves aboard the Moo-Moo-Choo-Choo by playing "What Am I?" In the game, players guess what object someone is thinking of by asking "yes" or "no" questions about the object's shape, size, color, and sound. Then, they combine all the clues to come up with the right answer.

Having some games on hand for a long trip can help your family pass the time — and maybe even make some memories.

Beat the boredom with these favorite road trip games for kids.

What Am I? Spy: Start out by playing the game “I Spy.” One player chooses an object they can see from where they sit. They must say, "I spy with my little eye something that is ______." The player can fill in the blank with any word that describes the object, like “green” or “fuzzy.” Then, other players take turns guessing the object. The first to guess correctly wins!

Add strategy by letting a player ask a "yes" or "no" question about the object instead of guessing what the object is on their turn. In this version, any player who chooses to guess the object on their turn and does so incorrectly is "out" until the next round.

Mixed-Up Storytelling: Print out “fill in the blank” printables and play a storytelling game. Start by having a writer take suggestions for words to fill in the blanks in the story. When all the words have been filled in, the writer can read the mixed-up story out loud to everyone.

Younger kids will love choosing silly words and hearing the story they've helped create. For older kids, add a challenge by deciding that every word suggestion must start with a particular letter or have the same number of letters.

Can You Draw What I Describe?: In this game, two players draw a picture of something, like their favorite animal or place. Next, each player tries to copy the other's drawing — without looking! Players must try to describe their drawing to the other player. Each person can also ask questions about the other player's drawing and answer questions about their own. When both are finished, compare drawings to see what is similar and different.

The Alphabet Game: In this classic road trip game, players can work together to locate all the alphabet letters in order, from A to Z from where they are sitting. Use road signs, license plates, and buildings. Mix it up by making it a race or playing on teams. Modify the game for younger players by looking to find items in the colors of the rainbow. You can also look for several specific items, such as "three blue trucks."

Create Your Own Card Game: This activity challenges kids of all ages to make their own version of a card game. Bring a few cards from a regular deck of cards or print a set. Kids can work independently, together, or with an adult to create rules for what happens when you draw each type of card. In the road trip version, all the rules must be safe to do in the car! (For instance: If you draw a two, then hum a song; if you draw an eight, then tell a joke.) Take turns drawing a card and acting out the rules.

When you're finished playing, think about other symbols found on a road trip and create a new game. Maybe when you see a red light that means everyone gives a high-five. Or make up a funny word to say whenever anyone sees a speed limit sign.

Sound Detective: The sound detective activity from “Work it Out Wombats!” is easily modified into a game for the car. Fill a small bag with items that make a sound (like squeaky toys or keys.) To play, Detective #1 will reach into the bag and make noise with an item without showing the others. Then they will ask, "What sound do you hear? What's causing it?" The other Detectives in the car must guess what is making the sound. Take turns until all the objects have been identified.

No time to pack another bag? No problem! Have every player except Detective #1 close their eyes. Detective #1 can then make their own sound, like clicking their tongue, snapping their fingers, or scratching a piece of paper. The game can continue as above with everyone guessing what made the sound.